unfortunately it is not illegal for any bank to charge this, the problem lies with what is deemed as a fair charge and in April 2006 the office of fair trading (OFT) announced that it was reasonable to charge at least £12 per transaction for expenses incurred by the default. the banks must base there charge only from what is deemed as an exspence and cannot profit from such an action. therfore the OFT has stated that any banks indulging in charges that are deemed unfair will take any complaint and seek legal action against the companey in conjuction with (consumer Regulatiuons act 1999).

I have sent to letters my bank stating that I want my bank charges back because I believed they where profiting and unfair, after all they sent me no notice of there intentions and it showed on my statement which was free anyway. my bank (nationwide) is refusing to return my money, i am now going to submit a complaint to the OFT.

If you submit a letter to your bank requesting the funds to be returned you must state clearly that you think it was unfair and what a reasonable charge would be for expenses incurred upon them. you can also request that they reply within 7 days or they will be charged for the correspondance and legal action could be taken and you are well within your legal rights to do so.

remember fight for your money after all its yours not theres